Greatest Locations To Reside In Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s pure magnificence, steady democracy, reasonably priced price of dwelling, and high quality of life make it a gorgeous vacation spot for digital nomads, retirees and people looking for another way of life.

How Many Expats Transfer to Costa Rica?

In 2022, there have been roughly 550,000 immigrants in Costa Rica. Based on knowledge from the United Nations Improvement Programme, about 7% of those had been made up of short-term residents like retirees, expats, and digital nomads. The vast majority of the foreigners in Costa Rica are from North America, and plenty of have relocated right here completely and constructed snug lives for themselves and their households.

Having spent a few years dwelling and travelling all through Costa Rica, we will actually perceive the attraction! 

Why Costa Rica is a Digital Nomad’s Paradise

In July 2022, Costa Rica began processing Digital Nomad Visas. Now, it’s simpler than ever to work from the Southern Pacific Coast!

What’s the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa is a part of the nation’s program that invitations worldwide residents to dwell and work in Costa Rica from 90 days as much as 2 years. That is thought of a “rentista” visa meant for freelancers, self-employed folks, or any skilled with a minimal month-to-month earnings of USD $3,000.

Other than the prospect to work in one of many Costa Rica cities, digital nomads are exempt from earnings tax and might also waive import tax for private tools wanted to meet distant work. They’ll additionally open a nationwide checking account in Costa Rica. 

Notice that this visa doesn’t let you work below a Costa Rican enterprise or firm. You’ll want a Costa Rican work visa for that.

What are the Necessities?

Candidates should present proof of steady internet earnings. That’s at the least USD $3,000 a month for people and a minimal of USD $5,000 for households. You’ll additionally want necessary medical insurance coverage that covers nonetheless lengthy you’re staying, after which pay a one-time payment of $2,219 that covers your visa software, a service payment for a brief residence allow, and governmental charges. Study extra about Costa Rica’s Digital Visa right here.

Langosta Seaside, Tamarindo

Why Many Are Selecting To Reside In Costa Rica

There are a number of the explanation why so many North People are fascinated about dwelling in Costa Rica:

High quality of Life 

Pura Vida, which interprets to “pure life” or “easy life,” is the time period used to explain Costa Rica’s lifestyle. A powerful feeling of group, a slower tempo of dwelling, and an emphasis on household and pals are traits of this laid-back lifestyle.

Pure Magnificence

Costa Rica has spectacular pure magnificence, together with energetic volcanoes, tropical rainforests, and delightful seashores. The nation can also be dwelling to varied animal and plant species, making it a popular trip spot for eco-tourists.

Secure Democracy

Costa Rica is among the few steady democracies in Latin America. It has a strong dedication to defending the setting and human rights. The nation made vital investments in healthcare and schooling after disbanding the military in 1948.

Low-cost Price of Dwelling

Costa Rica has a relatively cheap price of dwelling when in comparison with many developed nations. Housing, meals, and transportation affordability make it a fascinating different for retirees and digital nomads.

Well being System 

Costa Rica has a well-developed public healthcare system that gives high-quality care at cheap prices. The provision of personal healthcare selections makes it a fascinating location for medical tourism.

Local weather

Costa Rica experiences year-round heat and tropical climate. The nation doesn’t expertise main climate occasions like hurricanes or tornadoes, whereas there are regional variations in temperature and rainfall.

Dry season in Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Greatest Locations To Reside In Costa Rica

If you wish to dwell in Costa Rica however aren’t certain what’s the greatest place to retire in Costa Rica, learn on! We share info on some fashionable expat communities and a few off-the-beaten-path gems, too. 

Oksana and Max, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Central Valley

The Central Valley is a well-liked alternative for a lot of expats dwelling in Costa Rica. The gentle and dry local weather guarantees snug dwelling year-round with out the necessity for heating or air con.

Central Valley is the greatest place to dwell in Costa Rica with a household. To start with, it’s dwelling to most of the nation’s worldwide faculties. On high of that, it has among the greatest cities in Costa Rica. It’s no shock that nearly 70% of Costa Rica’s inhabitants chooses to dwell right here! 

There are a few cities which can be notably fashionable with American communities in Costa Rica. 

Escazú

Province: San José
Inhabitants: 14,815

Overlooking Escazu

If you wish to be near the capital metropolis, San José, then it is a good selection. Located simply 9 km (5.5 mi) west of downtown San Jose, Escazú is one among Costa Rica’s most prosperous communities

This upscale suburb is perched on a hillside and has all the fashionable facilities you’ll anticipate finding in a metropolis. City conveniences like purchasing malls, eating places, and leisure are matched with necessities like medical care and worldwide faculties. 

Some name Escazu Costa Rica’s Beverly Hills since it’s dwelling to many rich American and European expats. It’s most likely the most secure place to dwell in Costa Rica and has turn into a serious hub for foreigners. It has all of the attraction of Costa Rica with all the conveniences of the U.S. 

Its central location provides you entry to all of San José’s metropolis facilities. Dwelling in Escazu is a good possibility for internet hosting guests with its quick access to the airport, metropolis and freeway to the coast. If comfort is vital to you, it might be top-of-the-line areas in Costa Rica.

You’ll discover a native attraction on the slender streets lined with outdated church buildings in Escazú Centro, with luxurious inns, many eating places, and golf programs dotted round this space. Transferring to Escazu is ideal when you crave a metropolis really feel with out a lot tradition shock. There are plenty of households who name Escazu dwelling and luxuriate in all of the luxuries and leisure that the town presents. 

Alternatively, skip Escazù if you wish to commerce in North American life for extra Pura Vida. Naturally, dwelling prices are greater right here, and shops and eating places are way more Americanized. Whereas many expats love metropolis dwelling, others discover the mountains and seashores extra appropriate.

Atenas

Province: Alajuela
Inhabitants: 7,546 

Costa Rica’s well-known sock espresso filter. Makes the most effective espresso, supposedly!

Nestled within the lush mountains of the Central Valley is Atenas, a smaller city identified for iconic Costa Rican espresso. Atenas is positioned 45 minutes west of San Jose, the capital metropolis, and about Half-hour from the worldwide airport (SJO) in Alajuela. 

For years, oxcarts travelled by means of Atenas to carry espresso from the Central Valley to ports on the coast. The excessive altitude makes good situations for rising sugarcane and low. It additionally boasts a temperate local weather that’s nice all yr spherical. Excessive altitude additionally means no mosquitoes! Unsurprisingly, some describe this because the greatest local weather on the earth

Though it might appear distant, Atenas is just one hour from San Jose and Half-hour from the airport. The primary freeway additionally provides fast entry to seashores and is a central launch level to all the things Costa Rica presents, making it top-of-the-line locations to dwell in Costa Rica. 

On the town, a powerful expat group is stuffed principally with retirees and younger households. You’ll discover worldwide faculties, supermarkets, eating places, and health lessons right here. There are pharmacies and well being care clinics on the town, however you’ll want to move to Escazu for hospitals and nightlife. 

Atenas is a well-connected mountain city that’s accessible by bus and is very secure. It’s an awesome possibility for a soothing way of life with unimaginable views with out a large metropolis price ticket. Some even take into account it one of many greatest locations to retire in Costa Rica. Moreover, it’s a espresso lover’s wonderland! 

In case your desires of transferring to Costa Rica contain motion and nightlife, Atenas most likely isn’t the most effective place for you. Many expats settle right here for peace and quiet.

Cartago 

Province: Cartago
Inhabitants: 160,457 

Cartago

Cartago is among the oldest cities in Costa Rica and really was the previous capital. Due to an eruption of the nation’s tallest energetic volcano, the Irazú Volcano, the city was partially destroyed in 1823. These days, Cartago is a historic city crammed with native character that’s extra populated with Costa Ricans than expatriates.

The city hosts an enormous non secular pilgrimage every August to Our Girl of the Angels Basilica. Yearly, the occasion attracts folks from everywhere in the nation. Cartago residents have entry to many facilities, with out having to enter San José. Issues like authorities workplaces, museums, and hospitals are all accessible by automotive or bus. There’s additionally an IMAX Cinema on the town. For purchasing, Walmart and some pure natural shops supply plenty of choice. 

Solely an hour away from SJO airport, Cartago has a handy central location with nice climate. The mountain views over the Orosi Valley are gorgeous and make for cooler temperatures, main it to be top-of-the-line locations to retire in Costa Rica. The mountains in Costa Rica are way more snug for individuals who don’t like the warmth!

Cartago is an effective alternative for individuals who need to be surrounded by nature with out sacrificing metropolis life

There are various nationwide parks and botanical gardens round that slot in with the luxurious inexperienced panorama. Nevertheless, the cooler and rainier days aren’t a favorite amongst expats looking for a sunny escape. If you happen to’re snug settling into your new Central American life with out a large expat group, Cartago could be the place.

Grecia

Province: Alajuela
Inhabitants: 17,000

Grecia signage on the Large Crimson Church, Grecia City Middle

Image this, a quiet escape within the foothills the place daily sits round 80°F/26°C with a cool breeze. Sounds fairly nice, doesn’t it? That is Grecia, a farming city perched on a volcano surrounded by mountains. Some say it’s even the cleanest metropolis in Latin America, so it’s no marvel many see it as top-of-the-line cities in Costa Rica!

Identified to be the automotive capital with 63 dealerships, Grecia is a well-liked alternative for expat life in Costa Rica. Simply Half-hour from Alajuela Worldwide Airport, Grecia has a small-town really feel near all facilities. There are a number of communities and neighbourhoods which can be notably fashionable with the expat group, together with El Cajon and San Isidro

Most expats and ticos (native Costa Ricans) dwell within the surrounding hills, making the most of the good actual property worth within the space. Some say the actual property prices in Grecia are 30% decrease than in different fashionable cities in Central Valley. Houses in Grecia boast nice views and handy metropolis entry. There’s a enormous feria on the town. Different facilities, like well being care, purchasing malls, pharmacies, and supermarkets, will be discovered simply 20-Half-hour away. 

Grecia is the right alternative for these looking for a robust expat community however don’t need to dwell in a vacationer vacation spot. Due to this, the price of dwelling is affordable, and vacationer pricing isn’t a problem.

If the mountains aren’t your factor, Grecia may not be the most effective match. It’s not removed from the seashores or metropolis however makes for a quieter life surrounded by hills of espresso and sugarcane.

Santa Ana

Province: San José
Inhabitants: 11,320 

Dwelling in San Jose, Costa Rica, will be busy and never the life expats image for his or her relocation. Much like Escazu, Santa Ana is an prosperous suburb within the foothills. 

It’s simply quarter-hour exterior of San Jose and makes for the right escape. Nicknamed the Valle del Sol, or “Valley of Solar,” Santa Ana is a quaint native city close to San Jose with trendy facilities.

The climate in Santa Ana is hotter and drier than in San Jose and Escazu. This makes it top-of-the-line locations for expatriates to dwell in Costa Rica. House to all the shops, golf programs, eating places, and outlets you’d need, this suburb is gaining reputation. 

The actual property market could be very sizzling in Santa Ana, with many high-end expats and households shopping for property right here. It’s nice when you’re dwelling in Costa Rica as an American who needs to benefit from the incredible healthcare system. Hospitals are a stone’s throw away, and you’ve got quick access to San Jose central.

In the case of the price of dwelling, this undoubtedly isn’t the place when you’re on a shoestring price range. Santa Ana is changing into a hotspot for upscale grocery shops, medical clinics, and personal faculties. This a part of San Jose is a fashionable choose for households who need a snug steadiness between a Costa Rican expertise with out plenty of tradition shock.

Central Pacific Coast

The seashores of the Central Pacific Coast are fashionable for locals and expats alike. They’re the closest seashores to the town and make up the most developed coastal space within the nation

Jacó

Province: Puntarenas
Inhabitants: 11,685 

Jaco, Costa Rica

Coined the “Vegas of Costa Rica,” Jacó is among the most energetic seashore cities you’ll discover within the nation. If you happen to like pleasure, this could be the most effective place in Costa Rica to dwell.

It has an awesome meals scene with bustling nightlife and limitless water actions. It’s developed and laid again concurrently, with all of the facilities it’s essential to dwell comfortably with out large facilities. 

Transferring to Jacó is fashionable for younger folks who need to dwell in Costa Rica for sand and surf. It’s the right expertise when you’re a solo traveller trying to socialize and benefit from the water. Due to the straightforward entry from San Jose, that is the place the locals come for a weekend away.

Regardless of its repute as a celebration city, Jacó additionally has many family-friendly actions. Browsing, fishing, and snorkelling are all nice methods to benefit from the turquoise waters of the Pacific coast. If you happen to’re visiting on a visit, attempt to catch the weekly browsing competitions on Playa Hermosa (to not be confused with the Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste). That is one among Costa Rica’s most well-known surf seashores for a motive! 

One other wonderful thing about Jacó that would make it top-of-the-line locations to dwell in Costa Rica is that it’s dwelling to the largest LGBTQ+ group within the nation

The vitality on the town is energetic, thrilling, and by no means boring. Jacó is the most effective metropolis in Costa Rica to dwell in for enjoyable and events, nevertheless it actually doesn’t promise tranquillity.

Quepos/Dominical

Province: Puntarenas
Inhabitants: 19,858 

Playa Dominical from above

Quepos is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in Costa Rica and is the gateway to Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park. The park is among the hottest in Costa Rica and is a favorite for travellers of all ages. The realm additionally presents many different actions for these looking for journey, like horseback driving, zip lining, and browsing.

The city of Quepos isn’t an expat hub however a small city that serves as a hub for the neighbouring areas of Dominical and Uvita. Quepos is the place the locals discover important facilities like a financial institution, a clinic, or a grocery store. There may be additionally a home airport close by.

A 40-minute drive down the coast’s Southern Zone will take you to Dominical. This gem is a laid-back city with a high browsing seashore. Locals and expats love the nippiness vibe down right here as a result of it’s not as developed as different locations within the nation. Whereas Playa Jaco has resorts and inns, Dominical nonetheless has filth roads with a way more relaxed feeling.

Dominical and the remainder of the Southern Zone have a damp local weather and are notably engaging to those that need to play on the seashore through the day however get pleasure from a cooler night local weather. 

The hills round Dominical rise sharply from the coast, creating dramatic views and providing a breath of recent air (actually) to residents of this space. The realm presents plenty of yoga and outside actions. 

It’s one of many extra beneficial locations for younger foreigners with a free-spirited and natural way of life. Nevertheless, the Southern Zone might be not the best choice if life at a sloth’s tempo appears slightly too sluggish for you. 

North Pacific

The North Pacific earns its title because the Gold Coast as a result of it will get plenty of sunshine and barely any rain. It’s coated in picturesque seashores and is among the greatest locations to dwell in Costa Rica for expats. You’ll have to return for a go to and see that the Pura Vida is contagious! 

Tamarindo

Province: Guanacaste
Inhabitants: 4,000

Empty seashore in Playa Tamarindo – one among Costa Rica’s high vacationer sizzling spot

Likelihood is, when you’ve ever appeared into expat communities in Costa Rica, you’ve heard of Tamarindo. 

A surprising and bustling seashore city, Tamarindo has one of many warmest and driest climates within the nation. The white sand seashores, like Playa Grande and others, hug the coast and supply tons of out of doors actions for these trying to find an energetic way of life. It’s no shock it’s top-of-the-line expat communities in Costa Rica. 

Due to its reputation, Tamarindo is fairly developed and attracts many vacationers. It’s 1 hour away from Liberia Worldwide Airport and is dwelling to many eating places and nice nightlife. 

There are many facilities on the town: banks, supermarkets, eating places, cafes, coworking areas, salons, and clinics. The closest personal hospital to Tamarindo is positioned an hour away in Liberia. 

Dwelling in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is about straightforward seashore entry. Though no housing is immediately on the seashore, the city is tremendous walkable. The residents of Tamarindo are a mixture of retirees and digital nomads. There are additionally a lot of households interested in the realm by many worldwide faculties.

Naturally, many individuals need to dwell in Tamarindo, so the price of dwelling is greater. That’s to not say you want some huge cash to dwell right here, however lease and every day bills are considerably greater than in different seashore cities. Tamarindo presents choices for luxurious dwelling, and when you’re dwelling in Costa Rica as an expat who doesn’t communicate Spanish, you’ll be simply positive right here. 

Tamarindo will be top-of-the-line locations for expats in Costa Rica due to its robust group. An enormous American and European affect could make a brand new resident really feel snug of their new nation. Then again, you would possibly need to transfer to Costa Rica to take in a wholly new tradition. If that’s the case, a much less touristy a part of the nation could be a greater match. 

Evening time on Tamarindo Seaside

Playas Avellanas And Negra

Province: Guanacaste
Inhabitants: <1000

Aerial vide of Playa Avellanas

Expats trying to dwell in Costa Rica usually congregate within the coastal cities of Guanacaste. Whereas there are many totally different cities alongside the coast, the seashores of Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra have just lately turn into of specific curiosity to many.

Positioned about 30 and 40 minutes away from Tamarindo and about 10 minutes away from one another, Playa Negra and Playa Avellanas are well-known browsing seashores attracting avid surfers and surfer way of life lovers to the realm. These seashores have lengthy been thought of among the greatest locations to dwell in Costa Rica, however with the current developments within the space, their attraction has grown much more. 

Playa Avellanas is a bit additional away from the bustle of the large metropolis, however you’ll be able to have all of the comforts and luxuries of dwelling. Hacienda Pinilla is a gated resort group positioned on the Northern finish of Playa Avellanas seashore, providing safe heaps, homes for lease, in addition to a shared seashore membership, pool and restaurant services together with trails for mountain climbing, biking and extra. 

It additionally has top-of-the-line golf programs within the nation, equestrian services, a Marriott resort, and a captivating mini-market. Comparable, albeit a lot smaller, gated communities within the space are the Enclave and the Level.

The Enclave is a brand-new gated group in Avellanas, providing pre-construction costs on houses within the space. The Level is extra established and has nature trails, personal swimming pools, and prepared entry to Avellanas and the close by city of Playa Negra.

Playa Lagartillo and Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playas Del Coco

Province: Guanacaste
Inhabitants: <1000

Playa del Coco, Costa Rica

Playas del Coco, or simply Cocos as most residents name it, is a well-liked seashore city for expats and locals. It’s a a lot smaller city than Tamarindo, with small neighbourhoods scattered all through. The seashores listed here are extra appropriate for fishing than swimming or browsing like in different elements of Costa Rica. 

Cocos has a handy location simply Half-hour from the Liberia airport and metropolis middle. Right here, residents have higher entry to medical care and reasonably priced housing choices. The smaller, extra relaxed vibe attracts many retirees looking for that quintessential great thing about seashore dwelling. 

On the town, there are primarily small companies and memento outlets. However, residents have entry to supermarkets like Auto Mercado if they’ll’t discover what they want at a neighborhood farmers market. Coco could be very family-friendly, and the seashore is a go-to for these exploring the seashores in Guanacaste.

Along with expats, you’ll discover that many native Costa Ricans dwell on the town too. It has all the wonder, nice climate and improvement as Tamarindo however with a lot decrease prices. It’s an awesome possibility for dwelling in Guanacaste, Costa Rica if you need a quiet and relaxed life. 

If you happen to’re craving a bit extra motion and extra entry to expat services, eating places and outlets, then Tamarindo could be a greater possibility.

Playa del Cocos, Costa Rica

Las Catalinas And Playa Danta

Province: Guanacaste
Inhabitants: <1000

Las Catalinas is a growing seashore city on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast, positioned about 45 minutes north of Tamarindo and quarter-hour north of Playa Flamingo. In the case of magnificence, surroundings, and environment, it’s top-of-the-line locations to dwell in Costa Rica. 

The group is famend for its pedestrian-friendly structure, inexperienced constructing methods, and breathtaking pure magnificence. Condominiums, villas, and single-family homes are among the many actual property selections out there in Las Catalinas, all of which had been thoughtfully constructed to mix in with their environment. The city presents a variety of companies, together with eating institutions, retail institutions, and outside pursuits, together with kayaking, snorkelling, and mountain biking. Furthermore, Las Catalinas has a vibrant sense of group, with many gatherings of locals and company.

Las Catalinas is a brand new, still-growing group. With a repute for being a mini-Europe, it’s steadily rising in reputation as a Costa Rica expat group. It isn’t the most cost effective place to dwell in Costa Rica, nevertheless it has the repute and facilities to justify the associated fee.

One of the vital visited locations in Las Catalinas is Playa Danta, one of many city’s seashores. The seashore is beautiful in a crescent form, with clean sand and clear water that make it good for swimming and tanning. 

A variety of eateries and bars will be discovered at Playa Danta, the place company could savour delectable meals and drinks whereas admiring the breathtaking surroundings. The plush inexperienced hills surrounding the shore improve the realm’s pure magnificence.

For these contemplating relocating to Costa Rica, Playa Danta and Las Catalinas particularly supply a incredible alternative as a result of it combines the nation’s pure magnificence with modern conveniences.

Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is all about embracing the unimaginable Costa Rica high quality of life. The expertise right here is much less about partying or purchasing and extra about wellness and wholesome dwelling. This philosophy results in longevity, which is why the Nicoya Peninsula is taken into account one of many world’s 5 Blue Zones.

 Residents right here dwell longer than anyplace else because of good consuming habits, bodily life, and robust relationships. That’s why it’s top-of-the-line locations to dwell in Costa Rica. 

Nosara

Province: Guanacaste
Inhabitants: 5,791

Sundown at Playa Pelada in Nosara

Nosara is a Costa Rican gem the place folks information the best way to a more healthy and extra sustainable lifestyle. The realm is essentially protected by the nationwide park system, so that you gained’t discover mega-resorts or condos lining the seashore. As an alternative, it’s surrounded by pristine, undeveloped seashores that boast superb browsing.

In going with the Blue Zone way of life, you’ll discover plenty of nice eating places targeted on sustainable and nutrient-rich meals. It’s additionally one of many yoga capitals of the nation, the place you’ll don’t have any bother discovering a tranquil studio. This attracts expats trying to find an natural way of life who’re in no hurry about…just about something. In case your largest concern is having the ability to take life at your individual tempo, then this is among the greatest locations to dwell in Costa Rica.

Nosara additionally has good worldwide faculties and attracts a family-friendly crowd. The expat community is essentially comprised of retirees and households, notably these obsessed with preserving the setting. If you happen to’re contemplating transferring right here, word that there’s a a lot smaller stock of houses. Due to the demand, housing prices will be dearer.

The city is kind of unfold out, so getting round is more durable. ATVs and bikes are the expats’ and locals’ go-to strategies of transportation in Nosara. They’ve turn into part of the Costa Rican tradition on this area. Paved roads are a more recent idea so that you’ll need to get used to a little bit of mud in smaller communities! In Nosara, you have got a small-town vibe with some trendy facilities. Suppose high-speed web, pharmacies, a well being care clinic, and eating places. 

There are clinics and a small airport on the town, however you’ll need to drive to Nicoya for larger facilities. Nosara is among the greatest locations for expats to dwell in Costa Rica if high quality of life is vital. Additionally, it’s a a lot slower-paced way of life that may not be as engaging for some. 

Locals catching up exterior of Nosara Espresso Home, Playa Guiones

Santa Teresa

Province: Puntarenas
Inhabitants: 2,500

Important street in Santa Teresa

For some, every day life in Costa Rica revolves round catching the most effective waves and topping it off with yoga. If this sounds tempting to you, you’ll most likely need to take a look at Santa Teresa. This seashore city is a vacationer hotspot the place folks come for the journey and by no means go away

Santa Teresa dwelling is all about embracing Costa Rica’s wildness. Right here, you’ll be able to benefit from the panorama, wildlife, and seashores that make the nation so particular. The city has solely just lately began to develop due to celeb investments placing it on the map. Consider it or not, Santa Teresa didn’t even have electrical energy till the 90s!

An expat dwelling in Costa Rica would select Santa Teresa in the event that they’re a health-conscious one that enjoys a bohemian way of life. The city could be very relaxed. There aren’t paved roads so most individuals journey by ATV or by motorbike. 

There are hostels, pharmacies, and automotive leases on the town however this isn’t a spot crammed with trendy conveniences. That attraction, nonetheless, makes it top-of-the-line locations to dwell in Costa Rica.

Travelling to Santa Teresa is a little bit of a trek (4 hours from Liberia Airport), and due to this, there’s a a lot smaller expat inhabitants so figuring out Spanish could be very useful. Regardless of its remoteness, many worldwide vacationers need to see what the hype is about. When you’ve got your individual wheels, you’ll be able to jump over to Mal País for a quieter village away from vacationers.

Clearly, Santa Teresa generally is a dreamy seashore escape and the most effective space to dwell in Costa Rica for some, however a nightmare for individuals who choose metropolis life. So, the life-style isn’t for everybody.

Seaside at Montezuma, Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Caribbean Coast

Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is a haven for getting away from North American dwelling and into unspoiled nature. The climate is actually not like Guanacaste as a result of the wet season lasts many of the yr. However, this results in stunning shorelines and a vibrant group with Caribbean aptitude.

Puerto Viejo 

Province: Limón
Inhabitants: 2,000

Seaside views at Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo is a fishing village turned vacationer hotspot. The life-style right here is all about wholesome dwelling and having fun with the recent fruits, greens, and fish of Central America. You gained’t discover large resorts or high-end condos, however as an alternative, thatched-roofed huts and bamboo bungalows.

The Caribbean Coast is the most undeveloped space of Costa Rica. This relaxed attraction attracts folks from everywhere in the world. There’s a big Jamaican and European inhabitants who need to get away from the urbanization of the Pacific Coast. There are additionally inns, eating places, banks, and small outlets on the town. However, you’ll need to journey to Limón for entry to a hospital and airport. It’s a 90-minute jaunt with a bus service that operates every day.

Puerto Viejo is one other of Costa Rica’s yoga locations the place folks come looking for spirituality and wellness. Understanding Spanish right here isn’t important however at all times useful. 

Bikes and scooters are additionally fashionable in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. They’re a good way to discover the untouched seashores. Equally, actual property right here is extra about mixing in with nature and sustaining a really non-commercial presence. The humid, wet local weather actually units the Caribbean Coast other than different elements of Costa Rica. Some folks choose the cooler, cloudy days, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly not splendid when you’re looking for limitless sunshine.

The unspoiled environment right here attracts many birdwatchers, and the close by wildlife refuge is a spotlight of any journey. Puerto Viejo can also be dwelling to many younger U.S./Canadian nomads and hippies dwelling in Costa Rica for its pure magnificence.

The city of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Closing Ideas

Earlier than You Resolve to Reside in Costa Rica…

If you already know you’re searching for the most effective locations to dwell in Costa Rica, then come for a go to and see for your self! As an alternative of hopping on Fb and asking for opinions, take a look at the waters by yourself. After all, there are execs and cons to each vacation spot, and a few folks’s life jive higher in locations than others. 

If you happen to’re contemplating taking the leap and transferring to Costa Rica, take 1-2 months off and are available down. In the meantime, you’ll be able to lease an Airbnb in a couple of totally different locations and see the way you prefer it. This manner, you’ll be able to meet the locals, go to fashionable expat cities, and get a really feel for the communities. Take into account it hands-on analysis for locating the most effective locations to dwell in Costa Rica! If Costa Rica stays a magical place after that, you already know it might be the right dwelling for you!

Hacienda Pinilla, Guanacaste

Have you ever hung out visiting or dwelling in Costa Rica? What city did you’re feeling most at dwelling in?